HOW TO OPEN AN OYSTER
To open an oyster you need a towel and a small short-bladed knife. The professionals use a special oyster knife. For lack of something else, a Swedish “mora” knife can be used. There is a slight difference between opening a flat Swedish oyster (edulis) and cupped Pacific oyster (gigas).
-
Cover your hand with a towel and place the oyster in your hand, with the cupped part down, flat side up. For added protection you may wear gloves.
-
Insert the knife into the “hinge”, and rock it back and forth. Sometimes cupped Pacific oysters are easier to open by inserting the knife from the side.
-
When the “hinge” is open, insert the knife and then carefully cut along the edge until it opens.
-
Cut off the internal muscle that is attached to the inside shell
-
Open the oyster. A live oyster should smell of the sea. Throw the oyster away immediately if it smells rotten.